Community Technology Education Center Opens
Summer 2002

Ask a Montanan about the "continental divide," and you're likely to get more information than confusion. But ask a Montanan about the "digital divide," and you're likely to get more confusion than concern.

There-in lies the problem.

"It's nearly impossible to solve a problem you don't even understand," said Randy Bachmeier, Project Coordinator for the new Community Technology Education Center (C-TEC) housed at MSU-Northern's Vande Bogart Library. "In order to solve the problem, first you have to realize it exists. Then you have to understand its root causes before you can test possible solutions."

The "digital divide," as it has been called, is the gap in the understanding and use of technology such as computers and the Internet between different demographical groups. The largest gap is not between age groups or even ethnic groups as one might expect, explained Melody Bentz, the grant writer for the project. The largest gap is between rich and poor - the "haves" and the "have nots." Access to technology is simply beyond the grasp of those who are struggling to feed their families and keep up with their bills. At the same time, lack of access to technology has driven the wedge even deeper between economic classes since those without computer knowledge and skills are at a huge disadvantage in the modern job market.

A recent survey of fifteen major Hill County employers, for example, found that 60 percent require computer skills and that 73 percent would hire someone with those skills over someone without. Most of these employers also responded that the majority of their applicants lack computer skills. "That's where C-TEC comes in," said Bachmeier. C-TEC is a twenty-four terminal computer lab with access to some of the latest innovations in digital technology and to staff with the expertise to teach even the most computer-illiterate to ride the new wave of the "information age." "C-TEC will serve as an equalizer in the technology field by offering to the general public free or low cost access to computers, the Internet, and most importantly skills training," Bachmeier said.

An added bonus is that C-TEC is housed in a library with expert staff to assist with both print and electronic information needs.

"Speaking for the entire staff of the Vande Bogart Library, I am pleased that we have been able to participate in the C-TEC grant and locate the classroom within the library," said Cynthia Harrison, the library's director. "The mission of the C-TEC to provide instruction to the community complements and is an extension of our role of striving to meet the informational needs of Northern's students and faculty."

C-TEC will offer after school and summer programs for youths, basic education and job skills training for adults, recreational and enrichment activities for seniors, and business application and consultation for entrepreneurs. Scheduled recreational and open lab opportunities will be available to all.

These programs are offered in partnership with various other community agencies such as the Small Business Development Center, Havre Public Schools, and District IV Human Resources Development Council.

Though C-TEC is funded in large part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, MSU-Northern has made significant in-kind and matching investments in the program as well.

"Universities across the country are realizing that their responsibilities to the communities in which they operate don't end at their campuses' legal boundaries," Bachmeier said. "The boundaries of integrity and service extend to all corners and all segments of the community. The entire community, in some sense, is a part of our campus."

"We hope to be an effective partner in accomplishing the U.S. Department of Education's goal of improving the computer and related technology skills for the citizens of our region," Harrison agreed.

C-TEC lab hours generally follow the Vande Bogart Library hours of operation. "Since the Library is open longer hours than most businesses, classes and programs can be scheduled at the C-TEC for the community when other offices in Havre will be closed," Harrison said.

Classes are open registration to all Hi-Line residents - participants need not be students at MSU-Northern. Open lab hours are also available to members of the general public to pursue their own interests on an independent basis. Schedules of classes and open lab hours are available by calling the C-TEC at 265-3529 or by logging on to the C-TEC website.

While C-TEC opened in early May, the ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for May 30th at 2 p.m. U.S. Senator Max Baucus and numerous local elected officials are expected to attend. The general public is invited and encouraged to attend as well.
  

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